1
Ill disciplined Fiji overcome Samoa
By Online Editors
An unruly Fiji survived three yellow cards and a strong Samoa fightback to win their opening Pacific Nations Cup match 24-22.
Fiji led 17-3 at half-time, despite having centre Jale Vatubua and captain Akapusi Qera sinbinned, and stretched the lead to 24-3 while prop Eroni Mawi received a yellow card early in the second spell.
Kini Murimurivalu, Ben Volavola, Henry Seniloli and Vereniki Goneva scored tries for the defending champions, with Volavola adding two conversions.
With 20 minutes remaining Samoa started to overcome their high error count and began to pressure Fiji.
Scrumhalf Melani Matavao, flank Jack Lam and replacement scrumhalf Dwayne Polataivaia all scored in the closing quarter but one missed conversion denied them a draw.
The scorers:
For Fiji:
Tries: Vereniki Goneva, Kini Murimurivalu, Henry Seniloli, Ben Volavola.
Cons: Volavola 2
For Samoa:
Tries: Jack Lam, Dwayne Polataivaia, Melani Matavao.
Cons: Tusi Pisi, AhseeTuala.
Pen: Pisi
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Latest Comments
I'd rate the brothers Hendricks a point or two lower. Jaden has really not delivered on his early promise and Jordan's kicking at posts was quite erratic. Amongst other things.
I was really surprised that DuhDuh was replaced and not Jordan. DuhDuh had a great game and just underlined his class in a backline that was not firing on all cylinders.
Damian Willemse was missed. Hopefully he'll be back to full fitness and have an injury free 2025 (and '26 and '27 and so on until he decides to retire to spend time with his grandchildren).
RG was great. What an athlete.
Very happy that Hanekom made his debut at last. He gave a good account of himself and will hopefully grow into his role on the international stage.
All things considered, this was another frustrating Bok performance. Even though it was a comfortable win, it wasn't a commanding win. This Welsh team should've been put away by a far larger margin.
But I have faith in Dr Rassie. He knows more than I do. Bring on 2027 😁
Go to commentsGo the AB's .. Probs win by about 30 I reckon ... Cheers ..
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